Brand New Yamaha 195sx or 210?

[Maximus Targaryen]

Hi all,

Long time lurker first time poster. I am doing very very preliminary research on eventually buying either a sx19 or sx21 brand new. Pricing is not an issue but my main concerns are jetting around the lake quickly and weight of boat and trailer. I do like that with the sx21 it comes with twin motors so we could limp back to the dock if one motor goes down however the weight of the sx21 boat plus trailer has me slightly concerned as I would like to tow it with a midsize truck. Or should I just buy a full size?

I live in San Diego so wife and I and a few friends will take either boat we buy out to nearby lakes and rivers such as Lake Powell, Havasu, Lake Mead, and the Colorado River.

I suppose my questions are 1.) What tow vehicle are you all using for either boat? 2.) Any issues with debris getting sucked up through the intake grate on sx19 to where you were stranded all day? Same question for the sx21.

Thanks in advance for any replies!

 

[ZGhost]

This is what everyone is towing with: https://jetboaters.net/threads/show-us-your-tow-rigs.4656/page-54#post-459728

as for sucking up debris, try to avoid operating the engines in less than ~3ft of water. Or at least not revving them if you are that shallow and try to know what the bottom looks like in the areas you will be boating in. If sandy, it should be ok for example. There are many threads here of people sucking up ropes, pieces of wood, rocks, and other debris.

 

[Maximus Targaryen]

ZGhost thank you for the reply.

Regarding debris being sucked up what boat would you recommend the 195 or the 210? Is it better to have the second motor in case debris does get sucked up?

 

[OrangeTJ]

I may be totally off base but I think you'll get more use and appreciation for the extra size of the 210 vs. the extra top speed of the 195. Regardless of what boat we're in (including the 2011 SX210 we used to own), we don't tend to actually cruise much faster than about 30 mph. We do, however, tend to always bring more stuff along than I would have anticipated before buying a boat and we love being able to bring more people without worrying about space. We found the 210 to be a great size for a couple of families onboard.

 

[OrangeTJ]

ZGhost thank you for the reply.

Regarding debris being sucked up what boat would you recommend the 195 or the 210? Is it better to have the second motor in case debris does get sucked up?

My own experience is that duals weren't a big advantage in this regard as if you're in debris the chances are you'll just suck it into both. Duals ARE an advantage if one engine fails, although I never had that experience. The duals do provide some advantages to maneuverability, though.

 

[Maximus Targaryen]

My own experience is that duals weren't a big advantage in this regard as if you're in debris the chances are you'll just suck it into both. Duals ARE an advantage if one engine fails, although I never had that experience. The duals do provide some advantages to maneuverability, though.

Thanks for the helpful info! I think we will go with the 21' for sure. I also can not imagine cruising faster than 30-35 mph so even more reason to get the 21'. Now all we need to do is decide on a tow rig. Cant decided between a mid size or full size truck but I do want that extra power of a big v8 or the ford f150 ecoboost turbocharged v6. Perhaps the mid size might get better mpg and wont eat up the gas money as much as the gas tanks are smaller. What are you towing your boat with? Also do you finance it or just pay it in cash? Thanks again.

 

[OrangeTJ]

I'm a fan of full size trucks for doing truck stuff, like towing boats. I use a Ram 2500 diesel but that's not really necessary. A half-ton would do fine. I'm sure a mid size could do it but I don't see a lot of advantages for my own use case. The finance or cash decision really comes down to your own personal situation, so I don't think I can be much help there. Personally, I prefer to pay as much cash as possible but these are big ticket items and coming out of pocket with that much cash can also limit your other options. Gotta find the balance that works for you.

 

[Maximus Targaryen]

Again thanks for the useful advice.

Welp, full size truck it is. I can see how the mid size can tow a 21’ Yamaha jet boat but in reality it might struggle going to Lake Mead, Havasu, and up to Lake Powell in AZ / Utah. That extra v8 power is very helpful. Of course we can utilize the SD Bay too but kind of don’t want to put in salt water.

I totally get the buying situation and it being personal. I want to get a brand new boat and don’t mind putting about $5-10k down and then just making large chunk payments to get paid off early.

 

[AncientCanoe]

Both are pretty light boats and a midsize would likely do fine, the only problem I have with the midsized market is they cost as much as a full sized truck. Unless your driveway real estate is really valuable just get a full sized.

 

[Scoop]

If you plan on visiting any of the desert destinations out of San Diego you will want the more powerful truck. No matter which freeway you take you will be going up 6% grades to 4500 feet minimum, 5500 to Lake Meade or Powell. Throw in the very common triple digit plus temperatures of the desert, four to five people, AC running full blast and you will be much happier with more power. Not sure if you intend on going to San Vincente reservoir but the hill going to the entrance is wicked steep.

I wouldn’t worry too much about the occasional use in San Diego or Mission bay as long as you flush the motors and rinse everything really thoroughly afterwards. If you do boat in salt water, be sure to Salt Away or some equivalent when rinsing the motors.

 

[BeauSko]

I have a 2020 AR210 and tow it with a 2017 Toyota 4Runner. Max tow capacity for that puppy is only 5K (I didn't buy the 4Runner with the intention of one day owning a boat). Trailer + boat (dry) is around 4300 lbs. Add a full tank of gas and extra gear, u creep right up on 5K. I drove it about 110 miles to bring it home from the dealer and it did fine. My boat launch is about 12 miles on a flat road and again, it does just fine. Fine isn’t fantastic. I don’t want to upgrade my vehicle (I’ve got a few bucks in the 4runner for some upgrades) so I will be content with fine lol.

As for the boat, it’s AWESOME. I’ve topped out at 45 mph with 2 adults and 2 children on board with standard gear and a full tank. We’ve had 8 people on it before (most I’ve had so far) and there was plenty of space. As the others have mentioned, there are pros and cons to two motors. Also keep in mind, you have 2 motors to maintain...which translates to potentially more money. With a smaller boat, you’re also more susceptible to getting tossed around more in heavier chop. Is there a huge difference in 19 to 21 ft boats? Idk, my dealer claims there is lol. Good luck!

 

[Maximus Targaryen]

Scoop, AncientCanoe, and BeauSko you all are so very helpful!

AC, I am going to buy a solid used truck and have seen some Nissan Frontiers between $15-20k with under 60k miles. I haven't seen full size trucks around that price range with low miles. In 2021 or later this year Nissan is going to unveil the completely revamped frontier so I am a bit excited for that. If it can tow 7k+ lbs like the GMC Canyon can then I'll likely go with the Frontier after it has been on the market for 3 years or so.

Scoop, you are so right and great perspective. I have never heard of SV Resevoir I will have to look into that. Any beaches on that lake? You know, I do LOVE the extra power of the v8's, man. IN 2007 I had a 0 Nissan Titan and would haul my 600-800lb street bike around occasionally. I know, its feathers compared to 4500-5000lb boat but I just loved that I had so much extra power it was as if there was nothing in the bed of my truck. Wife and I are thinking fordf150 but if a different brand if able to offer a similar price and package, used, will go with that. Just want the best band for our buck.

BeauSko, that is rad! I will likely be PMing you hear sun for some details and glad you able to tow easily despite hitting the maximum tow rating. Out here in California theres tons of hills and mountains everywhere so we might just need the extra cylinders (v8) ; ). Glad you have not had any problems with it thats great to hear. I am very concerned with the sx19 and getting stranded due sucking up debris and it only having one motor. You brought up a great point too. Big chop with smaller boats probably equals a poor day.

Thanks everyone this forum is awesome!

 

[steve0617]

Do not do a midsize truck if you’re going to tow into the altitude. Get a V8 or even better, a turbo 6. Scoop is correct.

I live outside Denver. I had a 2013 Nissan Frontier. I bought a 2500lb pop up before my boat. I tried towing the camper once getting up in some altitude. No power at all. The OLD Frontier 4.0ltr V6 with the 5 speed was a total dog. Perhaps the new engine and the 9 speed will be better but avoid old Frontiers, especially if you’re going with a 21’

I bought a Tundra with the 5.7 and it’s wonderful even at altitude pulling these 3,000 lb toys.

 

[Maximus Targaryen]

Thanks Steve v8 or turbo 6 it is! Aren’t some Frontiers equipped to tow up to 6700lb? And some can tow as little as 3000lb?

Was your 13 Frontier rated to tow the maximum? Man, such a bummer to hear that it wasn’t capable. However, scoop made excellent points that I had not considered with the weather, grades, and extra people and gear. So, again v8 or turbo 6 it is!

 

[steve0617]

Thanks Steve v8 or turbo 6 it is! Aren’t some Frontiers equipped to tow up to 6700lb? And some can tow as little as 3000lb?

Was your 13 Frontier rated to tow the maximum? Man, such a bummer to hear that it wasn’t capable. However, scoop made excellent points that I had not considered with the weather, grades, and extra people and gear. So, again v8 or turbo 6 it is!

With the Pro 4x package plus the crew cab, it was about 6100 lbs. The tongue weight of the camper plus the cargo reduction basically took all my cargo capacity. When me, my wife, the tongue weight of the camper, the Pro 4x add ons wiped out the GVWR, that's when I knew I needed a bigger truck to pull the camper.

 

[Maximus Targaryen]

I see. And your are now in the AR195, correct Steve? How do you like it, any issues?

BTW, CO is fantastic. We enjoyed our ski trip to Breckinridge this past Jan. We ski all over CA (big bear and Tahoe mainly) and that was the coldest we have ever been in our lives. And the skies were clear!

 

[OrangeTJ]

For me, comfortable towing is at LEAST as much about the stability of the towing platform as it is about the available power. Wheelbase, track, suspension solidity and brakes all contribute to that. I'd take a less powerful but heavier duty truck over a more powerful but "softer" tow vehicle any day of the week. Going around a downhill decreasing radius blind turn and suddenly finding that traffic is at a standstill around the bend is one of those situation where you'll be glad to have a stout tow vehicle and it has nothing to do with power. Of course, power is nice, too!

 

[Maximus Targaryen]

Very true OrangeTJ! Stopping power, weight of tow rig, wheelbase, etc is absolutely just as vital as power and performance. Would love to step up to an Ford f250 but I think that’s too much truck for me.

Luckily, I have time on my side so I can be patient and research what truck I want now which for me is part of the fun! Just need to find the proper used full size truck that is equipped correctly so I can tow that 21’ jet boat.

 

[SCP1]

In regards to the boat go with the 210, just realize you won't be going 50mph. Which in all honesty doesn't matter as I barely hit 35 with mine.